The series shifts to Indiana, where the Pacers are undefeated this postseason. Can they avoid falling to a 0-3 hole, or will the Boston Celtics sink them further?

Catch the game on Sunday, May 26th, at 8:30 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Boston Celtics (2-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Jrue Holiday 
  • Derrick White
  • Jaylen Brown
  • Jayson Tatum
  • Kristaps Porzingis (out) / Al Horford

The Celtics made it 2-0 by having much better control in Game 2. They won, 126-110, and shot 53.4% from the floor, including 40.5% from beyond the arc (15-of-37). It was the expected outcome after that thrilling Game 1 where they shook off rustiness from the long layoff.

Fresh from an All-NBA snub, Jaylen Brown now has solid back-to-back performances. After hitting that game-tying three in the opener, he fired off a playoff career-high 40 points on Friday. He’s playing with a lot of rhythm and is certainly one to watch out for moving forward.

First team All-NBA Jayson Tatum, meanwhile, didn’t have a particularly notable day, shooting 9-of-20 (1-of-7 from three) for 23 modest points. Outside of his monster overtime in Game 1, there’s no denying that he has looked average for the most part (for his standards, at least). He’s due for a big game and we’ll see if he’ll hit it tomorrow.

Jrue Holiday and Derrick White each did a particularly good job in Game 2 neutralizing the Pacers attack. They should be able to bring that confidence on the road, especially the former, who’s a veteran and champion.

HOME: Indiana Pacers (0-2)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyrese Haliburton (questionable) / TJ McConnell
  • Andrew Nembhard
  • Aaron Nesmith
  • Pascal Siakam
  • Myles Turner

After three-straight games that produced valiant efforts, the Pacers were visibly tired in Game 2, although it did help that Tyrese Haliburton hurt his hamstring late in the third quarter and didn’t return. He’s considered questionable for Sunday.

Hali’s presence is obviously huge as he is an All-Star that orchestrates Indy’s fast-paced offense, which is also on top of a good scoring ability. Pascal Siakam will be asked to fill the offensive hole if his PG sits. He was the lone notable Pacer in Game 2 as he went for 28 points on an efficient 13-of-17 shooting – hopefully he can get some love from the refs, though, as he is yet to get to the line in the series.

Other key scorer Myles Turner was an abysmal 3-of-8 for eight points and should look to be more assertive. The rest of the core will have a good opportunity to get their shine if Hali is unavailable, and it can be anyone between TJ McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, Obi Toppin, and Aaron Nesmith.

But, of course, the hope is they can be effective on defense. They seem to be a step too slow containing the Celtics, hence the inability to close them out in Game 1 and keep up in Game 2.

PICKS:

Spread: Celtics (-7)

Over/Under: Under (222.5)